Concrete lifting and leveling services help correct several forms of potential damage to concrete and base areas, and one such form of damage that’s very common is concrete cracking. Concrete surfaces like driveways can crack for several potential reasons, from moisture and weather changes to soil settling and several others, and can lead to issues ranging from basic aesthetics up to serious health and safety hazards.
At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re proud to offer a wide range of commercial and residential concrete lifting and leveling services if your surface is experiencing cracking or other damage. But as our pros will tell you, not all cracks are created equal when it comes to concrete – here are some basic tips on assessing how significant your cracking issues are, one potential concrete upgrade that will limit the risks of cracking, and some other basic tips we can offer on avoiding crack issues wherever and whenever possible.
Assessing Crack Severity
For starters, areas like the garage floor or driveway can crack for a few different reasons, and in a few different ways. Some of the simplest cracks are still worth worrying about: These are the type that bring aesthetic concerns to any surface you want to be clean and clear, and the first practical risk they tend to be associated with is tripping.
The more serious a crack becomes, however, the greater the risk for other significant trickle-down areas. Deeper cracks lead to water that can make its way into the subgrade below your concrete, in turn loosening the soil and creating erosion concerns. This is a particular risk if you notice a crack in a concrete floor slab that runs through its junction point and all the way to the foundation wall – this is one of the most serious crack forms, and one where you should call our team for concrete repair immediately. Generally speaking, we recommend such a call anytime you notice cracks greater than a quarter of an inch.
Expansion Joints
Many materials expand and contract based on changing temperatures, and concrete is one of them – with this expansion and contraction often serving as a precursor to cracking. One precaution to take in advance here: the use of expansion joints, which are separate pieces that allow for independent movement between adjoining concrete sections. When expansion or contraction takes place, especially in large surfaces, these expansion joints – available in wood, vinyl, silicone and even polyurethane – will ensure the movement doesn’t lead to major cracking.
Avoiding Crack Risks
Apart from considering expansion joints, the best method for limiting crack risks in concrete is ensuring the concrete is unrestrained both during and after the curing process when it’s installed – something that often speaks to the quality of your concrete slab installation. From here, the only real tool at your disposal is diligence – regularly inspect your concrete surfaces for any minor defects or settlement issues taking place, and keep in touch with our pros about how to mitigate any small risks that form.
For more on assessing cracks and preventing their risks in your concrete, or to learn about any of our concrete repair services, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC today.
